The Hong Kong Police Force’s Organised Crime and Triad Bureau recently launched a joint operation codenamed Cleansweep, successfully busting a large-scale telephone fraud syndicate controlled by individuals with local triad backgrounds. During the operation, police conducted a sweep at an industrial building in Kwai Chung, arresting 13 suspects, including core members. Preliminary investigations reveal that the criminal network has been implicated in planning at least 20 similar cases since the beginning of this year, with cumulative involvement exceeding one million Hong Kong dollars. The largest single case involved sums over 100,000 Hong Kong dollars.
In-depth investigation uncovered that the criminal group maintained a rigorous internal structure with clearly defined roles. Members acquired citizens’ personal sensitive information through illegal channels and subsequently impersonated employees of licensed financial companies when contacting victims. During the scam, suspects could fluently recite victims’ real names, identity card numbers, and home addresses, even accurately describing debt details. This tactic was designed to lower victims’ vigilance and induce them to transfer so-called debts to designated accounts. Once victims fell for the trap, scammers would continue to extract additional funds under pretexts such as payment processing fees or intimidation.
Investigators also exposed the gang’s operational model: besides establishing dedicated call teams, specific personnel were responsible for recruiting minions. They utilized social media groups to target individuals eager for quick wealth and provided a handbook referred to as a secret guide, systematically training members on how to employ psychological tactics to handle various scenarios.
The takedown operation on May 7 was notably intense. Police seized over 40 electronic devices and numerous communication tools at the scene. Furthermore, more than 2,000 records of citizens’ personal data were discovered stored on multiple computers. According to law enforcement records, some detainees attempted to destroy evidence upon realizing their exposure; some tried to throw mobile phones onto the street, while others resorted to pouring highly corrosive liquids on electronic devices to erase data traces. Currently, all detainees are undergoing further investigation for serious criminal charges including conspiracy to defraud and obstruction of justice. Authorities do not rule out the possibility of additional unsolved cases linked to this organization.
Regarding such increasingly sophisticated telecom fraud, the police issued a special warning to the public: even if the caller can accurately recite personal identity information, it does not equate to legitimate identity. According to local financial regulations, legitimate lending institutions must legally send prior written notices before entrusting third parties to collect debts, detailing specific debt amounts, overdue periods, and official contact methods. Citizens should directly contact the anti-fraud hotline to verify if they have doubts about suspicious calls. Additionally, the police strictly remind the public not to lend bank accounts or personal information to others for the sake of small profits, as this may constitute money laundering offenses, carrying potential imprisonment of up to seven years and substantial fines.
